Keeping Your Camera Waterproof
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A good underwater camera will last for years, but only if you take the extra care required. Unlike land cameras, dive cameras must retain their watertight integrity. If you don’t maintain both camera and housing and check for leaks regularly, you may lose not just your camera, but all your stored images.
O-rings are an important component of waterproofing. They keep water from coming in through the closed openings in underwater components such as camera housings, strobes, watches, and other dive equipment. They’re the rubber rings you see around the edges of most all openings. O-rings come in many different types, sizes, and colors, and are vital to keeping water out of your equipment.
The one you will likely handle most is the one that seals your camera inside its housing. Because the case is opened often, it’s important to give this one extra attention, as it’s easy to contaminate it with things like sand or a stray hair, especially while cleaning it and re-applying silicone grease.
These small particles can cause slow leaks that will surely flood the housing given enough time.
Before you dive with a new camera for the first time, check for leaks by sealing the camera in the housing, dunking it under fresh water, and watching for bubbles or traces of water in the housing.
Ahead of every dive perform the same leak check before entering the water. Dive boats usually have a camera rinse bucket on board, so once you have prepared your camera for diving, put it in the bucket on the way out to the dive site to check for any leaks.
Keep the camera and sealed housing in water for a few minutes to ensure there’s no leakage, usually apparent if you see a stream of bubbles or you can see a small amount of water inside the housing. If this happens, remove the housing immediately, get the camera out, dry it off, and fix the leak.
And again be alert for slow leaks caused by hair, sand, or other small particles that stick to the o-ring. A tiny leak will fill the housing over time, and sometimes faster at depth.
After the dive, be sure to rinse your camera. Its preferable to soak it for a bit in fresh water before the salt water or heavily chlorinated water has a chance to dry. Be certain that your housing remains sealed before submersing it, and activate all buttons and controls while soaking. Don’t use any other chemicals or cleaning agents on your camera housing.
Before opening any housing or ports, be sure the unit is dry. And as an extra caution, always open any cover with the opening facing down. That way any unseen, trapped water will fall away from the opening, thus causing no damage to sensitive components.
Shop for all underwater cameras here.
The Joby Gorillapod – Super Tripod
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Every now and again a truly innovative idea comes along. Such is the Gorillapod
And this includes underwater since the Gorillapod uses high-quality, injection-molded plastic for snug joints that stay firm after lots of action. These fully articulating ball-and-socket joints that bend and rotate to form the perfect shape, are key to keeping your camera steady anywhere, and soft rings and rubberized feet prevent your Gorillapod from slipping in even the toughest environments.
The original Gorillapod is small enough to fit in your pocket, but strong enough to hold most compact digital cameras. There are also 2 larger sizes available for SLRs and video cameras.
The Gorillapod is the ideal camera accessory for photographers on the go. Throw it in your pocket or backpack and you’ll be ready for your next adventure! While the Gorillapod
KONA CLASSIC 8 – Worlds Top Underwater Photo & Video Festival
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The 2009 Kona Classic on the big island of Hawaii, will be here before you know it. At this years event held last May, participants had the opportunity to learn from pros that included Sport Diver Editor Ty Sawyer, Dive Trainings Marty Snyderman, along with pros David Fleetham, and Doug Perrine. Even though the final cast is not yet determined, you should be able to expect the same quality of talent for next year.
Enthusiasts at all levels of underwater photography, from beginner to advanced are welcome, and the competition and seminars are structured to be certain everyone gets a chance to fully participate. Don’t miss your chance. Check out details below:
LEARN FROM THE PROS – COMPETE WITH YOUR PEERS… Start making your plans to be a part of the 8th Annual Kona Classic Photo and Video Competition. It’s not too soon to sign up–we only take 8 photographers, so we can all be comfortable and there will be plenty of room for equipment. It is a great opportunity to join some of the world’s top professional underwater photographers and videographers as they converge on Kona from April 25th to May 1st, 2009.
Dive 5 Two Tank boat dives and 1 Tank Manta Ray Night Dive with the pros in the pristine waters off the Kona coast. You’ll emerge with answers to all your underwater photo questions as you learn from these top pros during your dives and again during nightly review sessions and seminars on all aspects of underwater photography and videography.
Call us at (808) 331-1858 or toll-free at (866) 463-3486 (866-GO-DIVE’N) to reserve your space for the Kona Classic Photo Underwater competition now! Car reservations can be made through Sunquest-Hawaii at toll free 800-367-5168.
The Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort is the official host hotel for the Kona Classic and will be offering room rates for their Partial Ocean View rooms at special rate for both single and doubles. Bottom Time Hawaii, located right at the lobby of The Outrigger, will provide complimentary van transportation to and from the Resort and the Harbor. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to develop the schedule of daily events, seminars, banquets and prizes.
Underwater Photos in Roatan, Honduras
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Surrounded by the world’s second largest coral reef, Roatan in the Bay Islands of Honduras offers some of the world’s best scuba diving and abundant marine life. It’s this reef system that provides calm, clear waters for divers, along with tranquil beaches for swimming and snorkeling.
The island’s friendly, “laid back” atmosphere is an ideal setting for enjoying great meals & drinks at the many fine restaurants & bars, or just relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Then once having adjusted to a more leisurely pace, take time to check out the wonderful culture and many local attractions.
These photos, the first of a banded coral shrimp, and the second, an orange icing sponge, were provided courtesy of Bob Millsap. You can find full-size images and many more photos on his Roatan.ws site along with a wealth of information on accommodations, activities, and a lot more about the island and its people.
Prospective visitors should note that most hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals, are a short walk to the beaches, and Roatan’s many dive operators assure convenient access to deeper waters. When not diving, visitors enjoy a place that’s distinctively less “touristy” than many Caribbean islands.
Roatan Honduras offers accommodations across a wide range of prices and amenities. Everyone from budget travelers to those demanding the very best can find exactly what they want from hotels, hostels, resorts, & lodges, to private homes, villas, & apartments.
Resources: Underwater Cameras
SeaLife DC800 8 Megapixel Underwater Camera Rated to 200 Feet
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In June of 2008, SeaLife – the world’s leading maker of underwater dive cameras, introduces its most advanced digital dive camera. Sleek, modern design meets high-tech functionality in SeaLife´s new DC800 8-megapixel camera.
With 5 new dive-specific color correction modes, the DC800 makes it easier than ever to take sharp, colorful underwater pictures. Set the camera to Sea mode to restore lost colors typical for underwater pictures.
The DC800 provides 8.0 megapixel resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD display screen, 4x optical plus 5x digital zoom, SD/SDHC image storage up to 4GB (along with 32 MB of internal memory), and USB connectivity.
The rugged polycarbonate case is designed to provide a solid grip underwater while making all controls easy to operate, and when on land, the camera can be removed from it’s protective shell making it truly compact and convenient for taking photos above water.
Easily expand the camera with one or two SeaLife external flash accessories, and enjoy quick shutter response as fast as 0.1 second for superb action photography. You will also appreciate the benefits of a long lasting, rechargeable lithium-ion battery that easily provides a full day of shooting underwater.
Automatic focus goes from 2″ to infinity, and very impressive is the large format continuous video recording with sound. Depth tested to 200 feet and fully rubber armored for shock protection, this is truly a next generation dive camera for serious underwater photographers.
Get more details or order the SeaLife DC800
Shop for all underwater cameras here
Rugged Olympus Stylus 790SW 7.1MP Digital Waterproof Camera
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The shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, sand and dustproof Stylus 790SW captures amazing 7.1-megapixel images in any situation — whether it is a day of fun at the beach, an action-packed snorkel adventure, a family ski trip or a night out with friends.
Built with durable materials and shock-absorption technology that minimizes the impact delivered to the lens and circuitry when dropped, the Stylus 790 SW offers superior durability in a point-and-shoot digital camera.
The camera’s good looks, smooth design and rugged exterior contain an array of innovative features and technologies that ensure sharp, vibrant images in any environment.
Stylus 790SW Highlights
7.1 megapixel CCD
Waterproof to 10 feet deep
Shockproof from 5′ vertical fall
Freezeproof to 14 °F / -10 °C
Face detection technology
Shadow Adjustment technology
Large, 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD
Bright Capture technology for low-light conditions
Digital Image Stabilization for crisp, clear pictures
Perfect Shot Preview mode
TruePic III image processor
LED Illuminator for macro shooting
Stylish, compact, rugged design
Slim profile at only 0.8 inches
27 selectable shooting modes
Movie Mode records VGA video & sound
In-camera editing features
Olympus Master 2 software
Get more details or order the Olympus Stylus 790SW
Shop for all underwater cameras here
SeaLife DC600 6.1 Mega Pixel Underwater Camera
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Fast Shutter response means you’ll never miss the action, and 6.1 mega pixels yield sharp, crisp enlargements. The SeaLife DC600 is easy to expand with up to two flashes, wide angle & other lenses, and all SeaLife accessories. The camera may also be removed from its waterproof housing for use on land.
Improving on the award winning DC500 model, SeaLife designers have put a high priority on ease of use with button positioning, a large 2.5″ LCD, full rubber armoring, and ergonomic buttons. The long-life lithium-ion rechargeable battery means this camera will be ready when you are.
Camera & Housing Features:
- 6.1 mega pixel CCD
- 2.5″ color LTPS TFT LCD
- Land & Sea exposure modes
- 12 land modes; Sea mode; External Flash Mode
- “Color Booster” for richer colors especially at depth
- White Balance control to restore lost colors
- Spy Mode for automatic continuous shots at pre-set time intervals
- Focus range of 2″ wide angle / 12″ tele zoom, to infintiy
- One-touch brightness control toggles all settings
- Movie mode – 640×480 VGA / 30FPS
- Rubber armored polycarbonate case
- Depth rated to 200 feet / 60 meters
- 3X optical plus 4X digital zoom
- Lithium battery & charger
- 10MB flash memory plus up to 1GB SD Memory Card
- Housing dimensions: 3.5″H x 5.5″W x 3.4″D (8.9cm X 14cm X 8.6cm)
Get more details or order the SeaLife DC600
Shop for all underwater cameras here
Ways to Eliminate Backscatter
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If you’ve been diving with a group, exploring a swim-through or tunnels, or else meandering along the bottom, you know that unless you’re first in line, it’s likely that the divers preceding you have already stirred up sand or silt or whatever is on the bottom.
Should you be thinking of taking pictures, it can be nearly impossible to get clear shots in this situation due to the lowered visibility. Over time, we learn it’s best to be first in line, or go without the group.
That is the most obvious form of backscatter, but even when no one has stirred things up, you can have a similar problem when photographing underwater.
Just look at this shot of a sunken tug to see what I’m talking about. This happened despite good viz due to the tiny particles in the water. These may be organic or non-living, but either way cause difficulty.
The reason is because the bright light from a strong flash aimed directly at the subject can catch these particles and be reflected back, which will blow the shot. It looks like snow due to the halo effect around each particle. And the closer the particle, the larger the snow.
This snow or backscatter can often be eliminated or reduced by preventing the flash or strobe(s) from firing directly at the subject. One way is to use a flash diffuser to soften and disperse the light from the camera’s built-in flash and lower its intensity. This is how the vase sponge shown here was captured.
Another way is to disable the cameras built-in flash and use an external strobe, or strobes, that can be positioned above or to the side(s) of the subject. This way you get the illumination desired, but since the light doesn’t come from directly in front of the camera, it gets reflected somewhere else.
Related resources: Underwater Camera Store
Sea & Sea DX-750G Digital Camera Set
Filed Under Sea & Sea Cameras | 1 Comment
The compact and lightweight DX-750G provides 5.19 effective megapixels, recordable up to 7.08 megapixels. Straightforward operation makes it a particularly suitable system for neophytes.
Underwater photographers know it’s best to get as close to your subject as possible, thereby reducing the amount of water separating you. By definition, the more water, the dimmer the subject. This can be artificially compensated for, but getting closer gives a crisper picture.
The DX-750G allows you to get within 4 inches or 10 centimeters when in macro mode which can result in super-vivid pictures. For those times when you can’t get as close as you want, the 3x zoom feature helps get the job done.
DX-750G Housing Features
- Rugged polycarbonate construction
- Depth rated to 45 meters or 150 feet
- All controls on the 750G camera are operable underwater
- Equipped with a fiber-optic cable socket for off-camera strobe accessories
- Exterior bayonet mount for wide-angle conversion lens
- Lenses can be attached or detached underwater
- Built in flash diffuser partially or fully covers camera’s internal flash window
- Grip protector for a secure, comfortable hold underwater
- Inner hood and external LCD monitor hood shade the monitor for easy visibility bright light conditions
750G Camera Features
- High-quality CCD with effective 5.2 megapixel image quality
- Large, bright 2 inch LCD monitor with crisp contrast
- 35-105mm optical 3x zoom
- Wide range of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto
- Macro photography shooting distance as close as 10cm / 4inch
- Automatic or manual white balance settings (five manual modes)
- 9 unique, decorative photo frame settings
- Movie function (video & audio) at 24 fps and 640×480 pixel resolution
- 16-MB built-in memory
- Records to SD/Multimedia Card for expanded memory option
- Powered by alkaline or rechargeable NMH AA batteries
- Compatible with PictBridge via USB cable interface from camera
Get more details or order the Sea & Sea DX-750G
Shop for all underwater cameras here
For Novice Underwater Photographers
Filed Under Basics for Novices | 1 Comment
Maybe you’re destined to become a big name in the world of underwater photographers eventually taking your place among the greats. Or perhaps you just want to capture some memories and have fun becoming better at it.
When first starting out, would-be photo junkies embarking on either course above have one thing in common – they need to know the basics. A good place to start is by enrolling in an Underwater Photographer Specialty Course from PADI, or a similar course that teaches newbie’s how to begin.
This is as much for you as to protect the underwater environment from you. I’ve seen it far too many times, even with otherwise proficient and experienced divers, that as soon as they have a camera in hand, the focus on picture taking pushes everything else to the background. They trash the reef by banging up against it or holding onto it to steady themselves for the shot, plus they lose track of both depth and time exposing themselves to unnecessary danger.
But it doesn’t have to be that way, and a little training along with heightened awareness works wonders at helping to avoid killing oneself or the reef, or scaring the heck out of the critters you’re trying to photograph.
Here are some basic rules to remember when starting out that will help both you and the reef survive.
- Buoyancy Control. Make sure you’ve mastered the ability to maintain neutral buoyancy underwater. In fact it should be almost second nature before starting the process of acquiring new photography skills. Otherwise you’ll either be continuously fighting to hover in the water column or destroying the reef by banging against it. Again, there are programs like PADIs Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course to aid in learning this skill.
- Develop Patience. Take your time getting into the right position to compose the shot. Move deliberately through the water. Going slow and careful will often get you closer for a better shot since it’s less likely to startle the subject. Also, once they get used to you, there’s a better chance of capturing a more natural image of their behavior, or even an unexpected pose or expression.
- Don’t Touch. Resist the urge to touch anything. This includes all marine creatures and their immediate environment, as well as the reef itself. Trying to handle or move a potential subject may inadvertently injure or frighten them, or possibly provoke an attack. Using the reef for a handhold or letting gear knock against it, or brushing it with fins or anything else can destroy the tiny corals and other organisms living there.
- Remember the Basics. You’re a diver first and a photographer second. On land one needn’t pay attention to having enough air or drifting deep enough to risk decompression illness, but underwater it’s critical. Be certain to monitor the basics like time, depth and air, for ensuring your own safety. Forgetting to regularly check your gauges during the dive can lead to some disastrous results.
Getting some additional training will help with all the above, and certainly expedite the learning process. After that it’s a matter of practice. Be sure to first hone your diving skills to where you’re comfortable in the environment you’ll be shooting in, then learn the characteristics of your camera underwater.
After that it’s just a matter of practice. The more you do it, the better the results.
Related resources: Underwater Camera Store
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